National Martini Day

Five Food Finds about Martinis

  • The Martini, gin and vermouth, is probably the most popular and widely consumed cocktail. Its origin is in dispute, but it dates back to about 1862.
  • The Martini’s popularity has waxed and waned, and its recipe has changed considerably over the years.
  • Going from an original mixture that contained more Vermouth than Gin garnished with a lemon twist, to 2 to 1 gin and vermouth, to a 15 to 1 mixture, and finally straight chilled Gin.
  • There is also the Vodka Martini.
  • Standard Martini garnish is an olive, garnish it with a pearl onion and it is called a Gibson.

Today’s Food History

on this day in…

1912 The United States government adopted an 8-hour work day. (I’m still waiting!)

1931 The first commercial doors operated by a photoelectric cell were installed on the swinging doors between the kitchen and dining room of Wilcox’s Pier Restaurant in West Haven, Connecticut.

1941 General Mills introduced ‘Cherioats.’ The name was changed to ‘Cherrios’ in 1945.

1978 Garfield, the lasagna eating cat was born. He was brought into this world by cartoonist Jim Davis.

1987 Ben & Jerry Ice Cream introduced a new Ice Cream flavor, Cherry Garcia.

1993 English author William Golding died. His first novel was ‘Lord of the Flies’ (1954).